"Be Bold"

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE), boldness was "one of the results of discipleship" and was "a necessary qualification for the work assigned to them [disciples of Christ]." ISBE lists as synonyms the words "confidence" and "fearlessness." The word "bold" comes from an Anglican word meaning "brave, confident, strong" according to www.etymonline.com.

Boldness is certainly a Biblical quality which one can find repeatedly in Scripture, especially when reading the Acts of the Apostles and Paul's epistles. I agree with the ISBE that we need boldness for discipleship. In the face of persecution and fear, we could use a good dose of fearless faith. Even Paul needed more boldness, as evidenced by his request to the believers in Ephesus that they would pray on his behalf that he would have boldness in his preaching of the good news (Ephesians 6:19). It seems logical then that we, as followers of Christ, can also pray for boldness. 

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul gives some encouragement about boldness:

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7 NASB).

We can be encouraged that when we ask for boldness, God will provide. When we seek, He tells us that we will find (Matthew 7:7). Remember last weeks post about peace? When we cease striving and focus on God, we find peace. I believe the same principle can apply to boldness. When we take our eyes off of our circumstances, the people around us, and the world, we can focus on God. When our eyes are on God, everything else fades and our boldness increases because in light of God, nothing else compares. 

Take courage and be bold this week. Speak the Gospel with boldness and seek the Lord in every situation. Don't look around you so as to become discouraged, but rather, look to our heavenly Father and His might that you may take courage and stand firm!